As we head into the holidays and look for gifts to buy for loved ones, consider putting some of your shopping budget toward some of the many shops owned by impacted and talented cast members.
Below, you’ll find some of our favorites, and you may also want to check out the Ear for Each Other Facebook Group for even more ideas as you shop.
Holiday decor
Orange Blossom Ink
Specializing in quarantine holiday cards
From the Owner
“I’ve worked for Disney for 14 years and was a senior Graphic Designer for Walt Disney Imagineering. I launched an Etsy ship featuring a line of digital holiday card downloads. These are classic cards with a 2020 creative twist. Celebrating making it through a year of: pivoting, zooming, distance learning, social distancing, sanitizing, masking and quarantining!”
Handmade Mary Ellen
Specializing in whimsical knitted ornaments
From the Owner
“I’m Karen, a 16-year Cast Member furloughed from the PhotoPass line of business. My Etsy shop features my whimsical hand-knit ornaments, knitting patterns and face masks.”
Nothing in Particular
Specializing in parks-inspired ornaments
Note: some popular items from this (shop such as the FastPass ornament) are currently out of stock. You can sign up for a restock alert on Etsy by clicking the “Waitlist Available” button, then select the color(s) you like, then “Let me know when it’s back” to be among the first to know (This works on Etsy.com only, not the Etsy app).
Shop Nothing in Particular now
Edible Treats
Enchanted Mixer
Specializing in cookie jar recipes
From the Owner
“My name is Kaity Gomez, and I’m the owner of the Enchanted Mixer. I’m currently still furloughed from my job as a Cook 2 Bakery/Pastry position at the Wilderness Lodge and have been baking for over 8 years.
My shop sells cookie jar recipes online including chocolate, butterscotch, and sugar.”
The Cheat Day Factory
Specializing in preservative-free sweet treats
From the Owner
“My name is Karl Hudson, and I’ve had the great pleasure of making magic singing with the Voices Of Liberty at Epcot for thirteen years.
My wife and I started The Cheat Day Factory, a small bakery, as a result of the pandemic. After being furloughed with Disney we created our signature Cheat Treat, which has become a customer favorite.
It is a Peruvian style soft cookie, double stuffed with homemade dulce de leche and crumbles of Heath Bar. Among our other treats, we design one of a kind custom cakes.”
Shop The Cheat Day Factory now
Gifts
Hayden Evans Art
Specializing in mid-century style art, including a Disney parks collection
John-Mark Creates
Specializing in Disney-related stickers and magnets
From the Owner
“My name is John-Mark, and I’m a laid-off WDW Cast who’s been in the company for six years. I’ve had past roles in the Parks, College Program Housing and most recently in Resorts with a background in Graphic Design, Communication & Events.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my art/craft. I hope these hand-designed Magnets, Stickers, Custom Ornaments and Gifts bring a little positivity and Magic to your day!”
Millan Made
Specializing in personalized parks-inspired products
From the Owner
“I am currently a furloughed cast member whose role is waithelp at the Grand Californian Hotel. I came to Disney in April of 2015 and have been there for 5 years.
I was inspired by my husband when he would work in the garage making exotic cutting boards. We converted our garage into a mini warehouse and have started off making name monograms, home decor, cutting boards, resin coasters, and more. I miss Disney and hope I can reunite with my family soon.”
Bibbidi Bobbidi Bow by K
Specializing in Disney-inspired bows, scrunchies, and masks
From the Owner
“I started with Disney on the College Program in Merch in 2017 where I was able to become a trainer, facilitator and coordinator. After 2 1/2 years in Merch I got a call from Entertainment and transferred in 2019.
I was only in Entertainment 6 months when Covid shut us down, and now I’m displaced into Attractions but still on furlough. My shop actually started because of Covid.
I pulled out my sewing machine to pass time by making bows and baby items for my nieces and nephews and it turned into an Etsy shop!”
Shop Bibbidi Bobbidi Bow by K now
SigMochi Creations
Specializing in 3D, handpainted creations
From the Owner
“I’ve worked for Disney for 10 years, started off at Pecos Bill’s in Frontierland, went to Liberty Square merchandise, then went to concierge at the Contemporary. I was at Disney reservation center for a few months then went to Skyliner.
I’m currently on medical leave due to Covid, and I don’t even know if i’ll be able to return due to my health issues.
I decided to start this shop with my boyfriend. He does the 3D printing/painting, and I help with the painting and marketing. We enjoy 3D printing things and then putting our creative spin on them and making them our own.”
